The full list of Labour Party candidates standing in Truro and Falmouth for the local elections on 2nd May 2013 is as follows. For more information or to get involved please call the campaign hotline on 07587 890588.

We have been holding conferences and discussions for more than 2 years as we have debated the issues. We are seeking a more co-operative council that really serves the people of Cornwall.

It was launched by Baroness Jan Royall, Leader of the Labour Party in the House of Lords on Friday 15th March 2013 with Cllr Jude Robinson and Cornwall Labour Chair Candy Atherton in Truro.

Here is a copy of the Press Release:
Press Release – Cornwall Labour launches Manifesto – A Fairer Future for One and All

Labour’s Leader in the House of Lords Baroness Jan Royall launched Cornwall Labour’s Manifesto this Friday in Truro. She was joined by members from across Cornwall keen to share ‘A Fairer Future for One and All’ with people across the county. Jan launched the Manifesto with Camborne Cllr Jude Robinson and Cornwall Party Chair Candy Atherton.

Speaking at the Launch, held at the Unison offices, Truro, Jan said “this Manifesto has been debated and discussed by Cornwall members for more than 2 years. It ranges across issues from the need for a Living Wage in Cornwall starting with Cornwall Council and its suppliers, through a commitment to facilities for young people in every town in Cornwall to the need for better governance in the county. Whether young or old, employed, seeking work or retired there is something for everyone in this Manifesto.

“The Tory led Government’s policies are hitting the people of Cornwall hard – from the Bedroom Tax to cuts in tax credits. We are proud to be launching this Manifesto today”.

Also speaking at the Launch Labour Cllr Jude Robinson said “Cornwall needs to have a competent council that delivers quality services for the people. The Cabinet is not in control; backbench Lib Dems and Tories teamed up at the budget meeting to slash jobs and frontline services and people in Cornwall are appalled by the lack of direction. Cornwall deserves better.”

Cornwall Chair Candy Atherton said “Labour already has more than 85 candidates in place, more than ever before. Many are signifcantly younger than the average age of current councillors, there are more women than we have ever fielded before and we will have candidates from Penzance to Bude. We anticipate a big increase in Labour councillors at these Unitary and parish elections”.

The Manifesto – entitled A Fairer Future for One and All is attached. Baroness Royall spent 3 days campaigning in Cornwall. She spoke to Labour students at the Tremough Campus, Falmouth, attended a curry evening in Camborne, a conference on community involvement in Liskeard and knocked on doors with Cornwall campaigners in Redruth and Falmouth.

High-handed and undemocratic actions like the above proposal make it all the more urgent to increase the Labour presence on the Unitary Council. The current Tory/Independent group has presided over the decline of services as well as abuses of democracy like this and its more than time the electorate showed what it thinks of them.

Locally, we now have candidates in place for all our key target seats for the Unitary Council elections next May. In Truro and Falmouth, we have 3 key seats. Our candidates are Candy Atherton (Falmouth, Smithick), Brod Ross (Falmouth, Trescobeas) and Hanna Toms (Falmouth, Penwerris). Members have been actively campaigning and leafleting in these wards with the second leaflet now distributed to most houses but any and all help is welcome so if you can assist, please contact Candy on her home number.

Leaflet and Canvas on Saturday 15th September from 2.00 to 4.00 p.m. starting at the Quarry Car Park in Falmouth

Whilst these are key seats, they are by no means the only ones where we have hopes and we aim to have candidates in every ward so any member interested in standing should contact us as soon as possible. Every vote counts, particularly when it comes to elections on a wider geographical base like those for Police Commissioner elections in November and the European elections in 2014. Canvassers report a very positive response as disillusionment with the coalition parties spreads and Labour is seen as the only realistic alternative.

The Labour candidate for the election of a Police Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall is Nicky Williams from Exeter. Now is the time for members wanting postal votes to apply via Cornwall Council (web-site or phone).

Note: Every penny we can save on postage can be used for campaigning. If you (or any other member you know) receive this Newsletter by post and do have access to email, please let us know your email address or amend your contact details on Labour’s membersnet website.

In case you have missed it over the holidays, Cornwall Council Officers have been planning to privatise all those services between us and them including our libraries, benefits advice and One Stop Shops. These officers have been talking to private companies for months

On 4th September, the full Council rejected this decisively – only for the inner circle to announce that the vote by elected representatives who have actually listened to their electorate isn’t binding and they plan to go ahead anyway.

Of course, the aim is to push ahead quickly before local elections – where local people might take a very different view. The arrogant, undemocratic behaviour these so-called representatives takes the breath away.

Of course we are not opposed to new ideas and making Cornwall Council more efficient but not without proper discussion by elected Councillors. Decisions should not be made before all the facts are laid before local people and definitely not in this shameless way. Locally Labour will be fighting this plan because we don’t want a company like G4S running the services we all use in Cornwall.